My novel in progress includes mention of the Baron Manfred von Richthofen, aka the Red Baron, the Kaiser’s fearless flying ace, who reached cult status on both sides during World War I for his prowess in shooting down Allied planes. An arresting figure as you see here. Consider the eyes. He defined himself as “a hunter,” satisfied only “a few minutes” after each successful hunt. He had silver cups made to commemorate each kill.
But when he was shot down in 1918 at the age of 25, he was given a full military funeral by Australian troops, the enemy, those whose companions he’d killed. You can see this funeral here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7180cgnOJc
Pamela Schoenewaldt, historical novels of immigration and the search for self in new worlds: WHEN WE WERE STRANGERS, SWIMMING IN THE MOON, and UNDER THE SAME BLUE SKY (all HarperCollins).
pamelaschoenewaldt.com 
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